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With their second pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected former-Clemson inside linebacker Stephone Anthony in a move that will yield immediate results for the team. Anthony is one of the most underrated players in the entire draft class, and the Saints were wise to snag him while he was still on the board. Anthony is going to make Saints fans quickly forget about the loss of Curtis Lofton this offseason, and he could become one of the Saints best defenders right away. It might not have been the obvious pick for the Saints, but the team’s selection of Anthony at No. 31 overall is one that is going to pay major dividends for New Orleans.
As a smart, instinctive inside linebacker with good bulk and explosiveness, Anthony should step in as a starter right away for New Orleans. He has the high-motor that you want to see, and he does a great job at diagnosing plays reacting quickly. There are times when Anthony can be a bit too aggressive, but that’s something that can be corrected with better coaching. My favorite things about Anthony are his consistent technique and reliable tackling. He doesn’t allow his fundamentals to break down, and that allows him to make a lot of plays other young linebackers wouldn’t be able to make.
All in all, though Stephone Anthony isn’t the most exciting prospect still on the board, he fills a need for the Saints and he gives the team a young defensive building block. Anthony’s aggressiveness and explosiveness make him a great fit in Rob Ryan‘s defense, and his ability to stuff the run is really going to help New Orleans. This isn’t a flashy pick by any means, but for a team looking to return to the playoffs in 2015, this is a very solid move that will pay off right away.
